2025-02-10 12:53 Digest

News Digest for Palliative Care Professionals: January 2025

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Starting the year with rarely discussed topics. Let’s talk about men and healthcare: what is it like to be the father of a child requiring palliative care? Or a man diagnosed with breast cancer? We’ll also take a glimpse into the future and examine how artificial intelligence could support palliative care, as well as what are the systemic changes necessary before the legalisation of physician-assisted suicide. Finally, how do specialists foresee the future? The insightful prognosis from a multidisciplinary palliative care team — shared with their consent! Discover all this and more in the selection of palliative care articles.

If you would like to continue any of the topics below in the form of a discussion or webinar, please, feel free to contact us at info@paced.org.uk.

Fathers: Forgotten Parents in Healthcare Settings

This study examines the unique role of fathers in caring for a seriously ill child, illuminating how gender stereotypes influence emotional expression and the tension between being a provider and a caregiver. These issues are vital, as fathers frequently leave families with terminally ill children. Could involving fathers in caregiving and encouraging them to express their emotions avert such outcomes? What solutions are available, and what does the experience of being a palliative care father entail?

Breast Cancer—Not a ‘Manly’ Disease?

Breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, yet it also affects men. This article highlights how male breast cancer remains underdiagnosed, poorly understood, and highly stigmatized. Men face delayed diagnosis and lower survival rates compared to women with the same condition. Though not directly about palliative care, the article emphasizes the need for attention and tailored support for male patients, who often become part of the palliative care system.

Artificial Intelligence in Palliative Care: The Future is Almost Here

Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and healthcare is cautiously embracing this wave of change. How might AI integrate into palliative care? What tools could benefit patients and providers the most? This article dives into the possibilities of AI in holistic palliative care, offering a glimpse into the future of care technologies already on the horizon.

Legalising Assisted Suicide Without Strong Palliative Care? A Risky Move

In a recent article from the University of Birmingham, Professor Cara Bailey outlines why legalising physician-assisted suicide without addressing gaps in palliative care can harm vulnerable populations. She identifies critical shortcomings, including unequal access to care, insufficient hospice funding, a lack of public and professional awareness, inadequate legal frameworks, and the need for more research. The article argues that only after fixing these issues can physician-assisted suicide be safely introduced.

Eavesdropping on Decision-Making: How Multidisciplinary Teams Make Prognoses-Based Choices

Prognostication is never straightforward, especially in palliative care. Accurate forecasts help families prepare for the future and guide care strategies, but how do multidisciplinary teams make such complex decisions? This article provides a detailed analysis of the forecasting process, showcasing discussions between doctors, nurses, and social workers. Explore how uncertainty is addressed, risks are weighed, and arguments are debated within a team. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of collaborative palliative decision-making.